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Opinion and cheap solutions Posted by Ari [Email]  (#2847) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Ari) on Thu, 26 Jul 2001 09:17:45
In Reply to: roof racks for a 9K, going to carry surfboards and bikes, bryan   [Profile/Gallery]
, Wed, 25 Jul 2001 13:33:34
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I prefer the Thule racks to the Saab racks (probably made by the same folks). The advantage/drawback of the Thule racks is that they have a foot resting on the roof of the car. I like that because there is more surface area for the roof load, and I usually carry heavy loads(bikes and sea kayaks, etc.) The drawback is that you need to clean under the foot, and make sure the foot is clean before you put it on. I usually give the roof area and the foot a wipe with some Windex before installing it, and make sure the wax there is in good shape. With those precautions, I haven't scratched yet, and I have a car that's 9 years old.
The basic THule system consists of bars, towers, and a fit kit. Now, the bars and towers are pretty much universal. You want bars about as wide as the top of the car minimum, a little wider is OK. Too wide and it's a hazard for anyone getting in and out. But since the bars and towers are pretty much universal, you don't need to buy 'Saab' ones - check flea markets and bargain news type magazines. I've used a set of bars and towers that used to live on a Mercury Sable on my Saabs. So all you need to do is buy the 'fit kit', which usually costs around $40 from most sporting goods stores. So if you're lucky, you can get into a set of bars and towers used for about $50, and have the basic set for under $100.
Yes, it's really nice to have all those fancy accessories to hold your 'stuff', but they're really expensive. You can buy a surfboard carrier, but to save a few bucks, go to Home Depot and go into the plumbing supply area, and find the thick foam tubing they use to insulate pipes. Slide that over the bars and wrap with some duct tape. Not pretty, but it works great and will set you back about $2.
For the bike, I also go cheap. Check in bike catalogs, TRUCK catalogs, adn sporting goods stores - Everybody wants a pick-up truck, and everyone wants to carry their bikes in the bed. They sell these metal blocks with skewers (the wheel quick release) for mounting in truck beds. Usually about $15-$20. Drill a couple of holes in your front bar and bolt the mounting block down. Use lockwashers. On my car with my bike, when the front fork is locked down, the rear wheel rests on the back bar. From the same sporting goods shop I pick up a Mast Holder. This is a Thule accessory that holds the mast for a windsurfer. It's just a square piece that fits over the bar, and the top is a circular U shape with a strap over it. The mast fits in, but so does a rear bike wheel. Drop the wheel in there, secure the little strap, and there you are. You can carry the front wheel in the car, or spend another $25 for a front wheel carrier. I have one because the car is full when I go on vacation, but if I'm just bopping around town, I leave the front wheel in the trunk.
The only place not to go cheap is the tie-down straps. I use the good woven straps with the nice fat metal buckles. The best roof system is useless if the stuff falls off. I NEVER use bungee cords - I see far too many bungees with one hook missing lying on the highway. That tells me a story I don't want to experience. A couple of good tie-down straps will hold your surfboard quite nicely to the nice, grippy pipe insulation.
With a little luck on the used market, you should be able to 'rack up' for under $150. Then over time you can either buy the fancy accessories, or luck onto them used.
Good luck!
, Wed, 25 Jul 2001 13:33:34, Thu, 26 Jul 2001 09:17:45 <-- Viewing This Message, Wed, 25 Jul 2001 19:03:34
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